Many basements end up being storage places, which if that includes sentimental items like pictures, can never be replaced if your home is flooded. Preparation for flooding, whether it’s in one home or if it’s a large scale flood, is basically the same.

David Smith, emergency management spokesperson for the Red Cross in Saskatchewan, says outside your home you can help to prevent a flood by clearing storm drains or culverts of debris, ensuring proper grading around the foundation, making sure the eavestroughs are clean and the downspouts are directed away from the home.

Inside, Smith suggests not storing your valuables on the floor. Get them off the floor and if possible, in water tight containers. Keep your basement floor drains clean, test your sump pump and make sure there is a backup power supply, and install a back-flow prevention valve to prevent sewer backup.

If it’s a large scale flood, Smith says the first thing is to know the difference between a flood warning and a flood watch.

A watch means a flood is possible so keep alert for local advisories and if it’s a flood warning, that means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or imminent.

Smith’s advice is to listen to local authorities and if the order is to evacuate, do so immediately.